franchise

Universal Words noun, verb noun 1 [C,U] formal permission given by a company to sb who wants to sell its goods or services in a particular area; formal permission given by a government to sb who wants to operate a public service as a business: a franchise agreement / company * a catering / rail franchise * In the reorganization, Southern Television lost their franchise. * to operate a business under franchise 2 [C] a business or service run under franchise: They operate franchises in London and Paris. * a burger franchise 3 [U] (formal) the right to vote in a country's elections: universal adult franchise * The 1918 Reform Act extended the franchise to women over 30. seealsoENFRANCHISE verb [VN] [usuallypassive] to give or sell a franchise(1) to sb: Catering has been franchised (out) to a private company. * franchised restaurants franchising noun [U]